The site, between Muirkirk in East Ayrshire and Douglas in South Lanarkshire, will have 22 turbines which should generate 55 megawatts of electricity - enough to power 31,311 homes.

Up to 34 jobs will be created with the construction of the new wind farm but there will also be a number of permanent positions.

Meanwhile, a community fund set up as part of the development could provide approximately £2.7 million for the local area over 25 years.

Mr Ewing said: "The Galawhistle site will represent a significant boost to the local economy and create jobs during construction.

"Once it is up and running the wind farm will save thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide each year and will produce enough electricity to power more than 30,000 homes.

"I am confident that Galawhistle will provide great benefits to its local community and play an important part in helping Scotland reach its target of the equivalent of 100% of electricity demand generated from renewables."

There were just two objections to developers Infinis Plc establishing the new wind farm, with both South Lanarkshire Council and East Ayrshire Council giving it their backing, if conditions were met.

Mr Ewing said permission for the project included a number of conditions aimed a protecting "the outstanding natural habitats and landscapes and local communities".

Since the SNP came to power in 2007, ministers have ruled on planning permission for 57 renewable energy projects, giving the go-ahead for 51 and rejecting six.